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1830s Common Schools
Beginning in the 1820s, Horace Mann, known as the father of education, convinced the nation to create a system of common schools. Common schools were funded by tax dollars, free of charge for all white children to attend. Common schools taught children values such as self-discipline and tolerance. Common schools were good business for the economy and democracy depended on providing "common" education to all children according to Mann. Common schools is model of public schools in today's life. -
1852 Massachusetts
In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state with compulsory, free public education. Children between the ages of 8 to 14 years were required to attend school. Around 1918, all states required all children to attend elementary schools. -
1862 Homestead Act
When President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Homestead Act in 1862, a program designed to grant public land to small farmers at low cost, it had a profound impact on education. The act gave 160 acres to the head of household who was over 21 years of age. The land occupants had to live there for 5 years to later be qualified to sign the deed for indefinite ownership. This wave of immigration forced changes in the nation's schools. -
1896 Plessy v. Ferguson
This Supreme court case ruled that segregation laws were legal. States could impose segregation amongst the black and white but the services such as schools and hospitals must remain separate but equal.This Supreme court case ruling caused discrimination amongst local schools and hospitals. Black students could not attend a school where white students attended. School facilities for black students were merely as good as those whites attended. -
The Suffrage Movement
According to beliefs of the day, a woman's place was in the home, besides there was no way a woman could maintain discipline in a classroom. The Suffrage Movement came along to establish equality between men and women. Allowing women the opportunity to teach. This influenced and changed women rights. Women now obtained the right to take on a role of teaching without discrimination or being looked down upon. -
1950 Civil Rights Movement
Brown v. Board of Ed. led to segregation in schools and later was accompanied by protests. The Civil Rights Movement enlisted the government in the effort to equalize educational opportunities for children of color. This has influenced school systems through the years because we now have equal opportunities for all children no matter the color or culture. We welcome equality in our schools and a variety of cultures. -
1954 Brown v. Board of Ed.
It was not until the early 1950s that the NAACP began to work hard to file lawsuits that challenged segregation in public facilities. The NAACP filed lawsuits on behalf of plaintiffs who believed their right were not equal in protection to the 14th Amendment. This particular case caused commotion and reached the Supreme Court. Mr. Brown who claimed schools that black children attend were not equal to the schools white children attended. Racial equality was prioritized in schools. -
1965 The Elementary & Secondary Ed. Act
Enacted in 1965, this act is the nation's national education law enforcing equal opportunity for all students. The act authorized state programs for eligible schools and districts to raise the academic achievement of struggled learners. THe ESEA also addresses the complex challenges that arise for student who live with disabilities, poverty and language barriers. The ESEA changed educational systems in many levels to better assist students and parents. -
1972 Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions that are federally funded.
It applies to all K-12 schools and any other post secondary institutions that receive federal financial assistance. It has enforced schools to take action ensure the safety of their students and staff. All schools must be proactive to ensure their campus is a free from sex discrimination. -
1974 Lau v. Nichols
In 1974, 1800 Chinese students argued they were not receiving a proper education.These students attended a school belonging to the San Francisco Unified School District. The US Supreme court case was reversed and focused of the students' success. Children with language deficiencies had the ability to participate in educational English language programs. ESL programs were instilled across the nation to assist students with language barriers. Equality was important for non english. -
1975 Education for all Handicapped Children Act
Before 1975, many schools denied children with special needs access to public education. Schools had to right to deny students who did not meet their standards. If children were admitted with any sort of disabilities, they were segregated in different classrooms away from their peers. This act required all schools that were issued federal funds to provide children with disabilities equal access to education. Children were no longer segregated from the school population. -
1982 Plyler v. Doe
During the 19th century, the United States began to overpopulate and immigration began to be limited. The U.S. Supreme court case, Plyler v. Doe, helped guarantee free education for all children regardless of immigration status. The leading cause was a 1975 Texas law that withheld funds from students who were not legally admitted in the US.Although Latinx students continue to face barriers, Plyler created opportunities for the latin communities across the nation.